My Peacefully Chaotic Life

Well, it is late and my girls are still up. They are playing quietly on the couch with a new Barbie doll set. I an hoping it isn't the calm before the storm! Sometimes being overly tired can be worse than not tired enough when it comes to going to sleep! What a good night it has been. The GuitarMan got back safely from his trip. He brought his best friend from college who is also in his band home with him for the week. So our house will be music-filled this week! A little while later we went to Mrs. BJ's house for the cottage prayer meeting and FlowerChild's party. What a sweet fellowship! The boys brought their guitars and did some singing. Then The FisherMan shared some scriptures and thoughts on it. Then we joined hearts in prayer. Afterwards there was food, followed by birthday presents. I thought for sure the children would be ready to dive into the tornado birthday cake but instead they wanted to play the game we had selected. Can you guess what they played at the tor...

.....toothbrushes in the trash, toilet paper in the bed.....these are just a few of the strange little things I've been finding in my house. Oddly enough these occurrences coincided with my little guy becoming much more mobile. Someone has to trail him at all times. But surely that sweet little boy with the precious strawberry blond curls, the twinkling dark eyes and that mischievous little smile....surely he wouldn't have anything to do with that, would he? Naaah....

Anyone who homeschools knows how it is to hunt for the perfect curriculum. You search and search. You read and read. You narrow it down. You decide on a particular curriculum. Then you change your mind. Then you start all over. I have been trying to decide on curriculum for my girls. I am really interested in combining their studies as much as possible. Heart of Dakota looks like a good choice for that. I got my catalogue recently. It is a good sign when your 4 year old finds it and claims it as her own. She promptly grabbed a pencil and started marking all the books she liked the looks of. I love to read so I am looking forward to that. I also like that it calls for some curriculum that I already have. It gives you the freedom to choose some things on your own. I am thinking of sticking with Horizons Math. FlowerChild seems to enjoy the faster pace. I am going to have to crack down a little on the drills however. She hates flashcards or pages of practice problems. So I have to get cre...

I can't believe you are already 7 years old. You bring such joy and sunshine to our lives! Whenever you are around there is always something happening. Music, laughter, dancing, LIFE just seem to radiate from you. The doctor was amazed when you were born because you did something many babies do not do. While your body was face down as most births are, your face was looking up at him when you emerged. That's my girl...it's only fitting because that is just your personality. You are always looking up! As we made the short drive home from the hospital a song was playing on the radio by Nicole C. Mullins "I Know My Redeemer Lives." Once again it was only fitting. When He gave me you it was a gift that proved His love. You were a miracle to us. You are a miracle to us. I can not imagine my life without you. Your Mama loves you!! Happy Birthday, my precious girl!

This is one of my oldest son's favorites and considering he can be finicky that tells you it is good! 3 pounds ground beef 2 pks taco seasoning 4 large burrito shells 1 large can refried beans 16 oz sour cream 1 jar your favorite salsa 2-3 cups shredded cheese Brown, drain and season ground beef with taco seasoning. Layer a rectangular casserole dish with the following. Burrito shell, refried beans, seasoned beef, sour cream, salsa, and cheese. Continue to layer until you fill your dish. On the last layer use a burrito shell and top with cheese. Then bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 20-30 minutes. Want to make it healthier? Use lean ground beef or ground white turkey. Make your own taco seasoning minus the salt or MSG. Use the whole wheat burrito shells. Use fat free beans, sour cream and cheese. You could also top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, onion and avocado. Need less zip? Omit the taco seasoning and salsa.

How is that for a title? Well just keep reading and it will make sense....maybe. :) I spent a good portion of my day today planning some of FlowerChild's birthday party. We are planning a surprise party for her this weekend. We are having cottage prayer meetings for the next month leading up to revival. The first one is Saturday and we are going to combine it with her party. She doesn't have a clue! My little one is turning 7 Thursday and she has definite ideas about her cake and party. She wants a tornado chaser party. Oh, my, count on this girl to make things challenging for her Mama! I am going to find a picture of a tornado and have it scanned for the cake. Then maybe put a truck or SUV on there for the weather chaser. So if any of you creative geniuses out there have any additional ideas, let's hear them! While I was out I stopped off at a thrift store just to see if they might have something I couldn't live without. I found two vintage aprons for my girls (Mama ...

Just wanted to update those of you who have been praying for him. He called about midnight last night. He is working with Habitat For Humanity and will be all week. So please continue to pray for his physical safety, that he will be touched by God and grow spiritually this week, that he will be a blessing to all he encounters, and that he will come away from this experience blessed. Thank you so much! :)